River Waveney could see new – more natural – approach in conservation

A radical new – and more natural – approach to river conservation could be adopted to revitalise a watercourse shared by Norfolk and Suffolk.

The River Waveney Association, which was launched at a meeting in Harleston in March and already has more than 150 members, is investigating the use of light-touch river management along the Waveney to improve natural water flow and enhance flora and fauna.

Members of the association saw this approach working successfully during a trip to the River Bure at Blickling on Friday.

Chairman Geoff Doggett, from Harleston, said: “We were very impressed. Of course, every river is different and has a different profile, but we’re looking at possibly adopting what is suitable for the Waveney.”

The aims of the association are to ensure the river and its surroundings are maintained and made accessible for the enjoyment of residents and visitors now and for future generations. They include: improving water quality, flow and cleanliness; removing unnecessary structures; improving the ecology, navigation, angling and general access; improving communication between the various user groups and public bodies; and promoting the role of the river in the cultural, social, educational, environmental and economic life of the Waveney Valley.

For further details, visit www.riverwaveneytrust.org or call Geoff Doggett on 01379 853464.

1 comment

I thought that the problem with the Waveney behind Tesco and Morrison's in Diss was precisely because there had been a lot of "leaving “large woody debris” (fallen trees, branches and other natural debris) mostly in place, instead of removing it,"!
A problem which has been eased recently by removing a lot of the rubbish that had accumulated.
Certainly that stretch of river looks a lot better at the moment and the water seems to be flowing more easily.